This year in France, of more than 47,000 new cases of colorectal cancer, 26,212 were men. If the median age at diagnosis is 71 years among the latter, this cancer can also affect those under 50 years old. In research published in Cancer Prevention Research, researchers analyzed data from 2,400 men aged 35 to 49.
Besides age, regular consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and alcohol, family history and socioeconomic status can increase the risk of developing a malignancy in the colon or rectum. Not taking statins (low cholesterol medications) and a higher disease burden (a WHO indicator assessing the impact of health problems on quality of life) are also factors. of risk.
Also read: Warning signs, diagnosis, treatment…5 things to know about colorectal cancer
But, unlike older men, a high BMI doesn’t make the list. For the authors, their results should encourage the medical world to adapt prevention and screening to the age of patients. Because, for example, screening by immunological test (national campaign concerning people without risk factors) is dedicated to those over 50. Colorectal tumors, as a reminder, represent the third most common cancer in men, according to Public Health France.